There's nothing 'overnight' about Leaf sensation Kostka

Ajax minor hockey product patrolling blueline for NHL team

Leafs vs Sabres at the ACC

David Cooper / Torstar

TORONTO -- Oshawa's MIke Kostka of the Toronto Maple Leafs dove behind Ben Scrivens after the puck with his hand during the third period of the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre January 21. January 21, 2013

Mike Kostka

David Cooper / Torstar

TORONTO -- Toronto Marlies defenceman Mike Kostka waited to go on the ice before an American Hockey League game. Kostka's strong play with the Marlies earned the Oshawa resident a promotion to the Toronto Maple Leafs. October 2012

As in, he almost made the Florida Panthers last season. As in, he almost gave up his NHL dream two years ago to play in Europe.

Kostka doesn't do "almost." He doesn't give up.

The Etobicoke-born, Ajax-raised 27-year-old "rookie" finds himself somewhat of an overnight sensation with the Maple Leafs, patrolling the blue line in the season curtain-raiser in Montreal and sure to have the same role Monday in the home opener against the Buffalo Sabres.

And it's not just as a role player, but as a key defender - playing the power play - as well as the main defensive pairing with captain Dion Phaneuf.

"I thought Mike Kostka was a dominant player," said Leafs coach Randy Carlyle. "Played a lot of minutes. Didn't make too many mistakes. Looked like a guy that was comfortable playing in this type of situation.

"He had a great year in the American Hockey League. It really is astounding that he hasn't played a game in the league."

Nothing happened "overnight" in Kostka's life to get him to this point.

"I've gone through a lot in the past four years as well as spending four years at university," said Kostka. "It's definitely been a long road. Now I'm in the next chapter and ready to keep things going."

With long blond hair and an easygoing personality, Kostka seems on the surface to be a bit of a surfer dude. But there is more depth to him as he provides thoughtful answers and insight into the journey that brought him from his boyhood as a Leafs fan to potential fan favourite.

"I learned to really take the pressure off by just going out and enjoying myself," said Kostka. "At the same time, knowing if I work as hard as I can and really leave it all out there with every opportunity I get, at the end of the day I'm not going to be upset with any outcome."

Not drafted into the OHL after playing minor hockey in the Ajax-Pickering Raiders system as well as junior with the Ajax Axemen, Kostka was passed over in the NHL draft after four years on scholarship at the University of Massachusetts.

In 2010-2011 the Oshawa resident led the Rochester Americans in scoring, the first time in the 55-year history of the franchise that a defenceman has held that honour. He also led the AHL in power-play goals for a defenceman with 11.

In 2011-2012 he won a Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals. He signed with the Toronto Maples Leafs for the 2012-2013 season, starting the season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. And now he finds himself playing alongside Phaneuf.

By 2010, he seemed destined for a life in the minors, and was considering heading to Europe when a friend told him that if he believed he had even a 1-per-cent chance of making the NHL, he should stay in North America.

Cancelling his flight, he got more ice time and got better. He developed multiple facets to his game, all of which were on full display Saturday night with his crisp passing and deft defensive play. In 2011 training camp, he thought he had finally made it with the Florida Panthers.

"I came out of the trainers' room with all my new gear, but then the next day I got cut," said Kostka.

Another year in the minors.

But it was a good one: he won the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals, beating the Toronto Marlies in the process. The Leafs noticed.

But even when the Leafs signed him, they weren't sure he was an NHLer.

"They thought there was something wrong with me because they asked me why I haven't been given an opportunity," said Kostka.

"The whole game is about opportunity and injuries and timing."

His timing was perfect. He's playing the role made vacant by the concussion to Jake Gardiner. He has a step on a few veterans perhaps because he's in midseason form, having played half a year with the Marlies while others were locked out.

Once Gardiner comes back, or once the rest of the NHL veterans get their legs back, the world may turn again on Kostka.

"I really have a strong mindset of where I wanted to be and ... I am happy I'm here now," said Kostka.